Netflix’s 6-Part Steampunk Masterpiece: Where Arcane Meets Cowboy Bebop in the Wild West
A gunslinger in a changed West
Bass X Machina reimagines Bass Reeves in a fictional steampunk West, where segregation remains widespread and bounty hunting is common. Bass has a reputation as one of the region’s finest hunters.
He says his work supports his family, but revenge drives his early journey, along with the promise of a substantial reward. Dana and his long-lost daughter, Ahni, gradually help steer him toward becoming a better man.
Western action meets machinery
The series pairs familiar frontier settings—small towns, saloons and sheriff’s offices—with shootouts, horseback travel and train robberies. Its lively anime style also recalls Cowboy Bebop, while the 19th-century setting reflects the era in which Reeves lived.
Steampunk technology adds another layer. Man-operated machines become weapons, and Dana and Yellowtail build and improve Bass’s mechanical arm. Bass and Lighthorse also face a villain piloting a mech, while the final battle features a machine large enough to threaten entire towns.
A growing mix of elements
Robots and characters with elemental powers broaden the series beyond Western and steampunk conventions. These ideas arrive gradually, making the expanding world feel more established by the sixth episode.
The show’s blend of genres has been praised for its creativity and strong characters. Its voice performances, soundtrack and animation have also drawn positive attention, including the visually striking opening and closing sequences produced by Studio Mir.
Strong ratings, room to grow
More than a week after release, Bass X Machina has a 100% critics score and a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The response adds to its standing as a well-received addition to Netflix’s animated library.
The series is described as one of 2026’s most distinctive shows, with potential to grow further if it receives additional seasons. Its combination of frontier action, advanced inventions and supernatural powers sets it apart from a straightforward Western.
Key points
- Bass X Machina is a six-part Netflix series inspired by gunslinger Bass Reeves.
- Its fictional West combines steampunk technology, Western action and supernatural abilities.
- Dana and Bass’s daughter, Ahni, influence his path away from revenge.
- The show has a 100% critics score and a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.